Double victories for Metro North at 43rd SHPA National Conference

Two of our own Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) team members have come out on top and recognised for their invaluable contributions at the 43rd Society of Hospital Pharmacists (SHPA) National Conference.

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Team Leader Specialist Pharmacist Dr Karen Whitfield went home with the prestigious 2017 SHPA Australian Clinical Pharmacy Award, while MNHHS Electronic Medication Management Program Manager Dr Danielle Stowasser took out the Fred J Boyd Award.

Dr Stowasser has led a range of initiatives to enhance safe and effective medicine use, including systems for reducing adverse drug events through standardised prescription and administration services.

Her work has been critical to improving care across Queensland, with her work contributing to APAC guidelines, statewide pharmacy information management systems, and developing rural and remote support services in pharmacy departments across the state.

Dr Whitfield’s contribution to hospital pharmacy spans decades, and her work in women’s and newborn health has had a lasting impact on the way infants and women are treated right across Australia.

While accepting her award Dr Whitfield encouraged pharmacists to get inspired and involved in research, summed up in one simple sentence.

“Even small studies can lead to big changes in clinical practice,” Dr Whitfield said.